A series of large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv have killed at least 13 people and injured dozens more, forcing residents to shelter in underground metro stations as fires engulfed residential buildings and a hotel on a central boulevard. The attacks, which occurred overnight on 2 July 2026, involved 74 missiles and 496 drones, according to Ukraine's air force, making them the biggest strikes on the capital in weeks.
The basics: Russia launched a massive combined assault on Kyiv using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Ukraine's air defences intercepted most of the incoming weapons—downing or neutralising 48 missiles and 476 drones—but 25 ballistic missiles and 12 drones struck 33 locations across the city. The attacks hit all ten districts of Kyiv, on both sides of the Dnipro River, damaging residential buildings, a hotel, an ambulance station, and other civilian infrastructure. At least 13 people were killed, including children, and more than 30 were injured, with five medical staff among the wounded. Rescue operations continued after the strikes, with emergency services deploying nearly 500 personnel and 100 vehicles, including a helicopter.
“Explaining the large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and their impact.”
Background: This attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that intelligence indicated Russia was preparing a “massive” strike, prompting him to cut short a visit to Dublin. Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, had earlier said President Vladimir Putin ordered the military to find ways to launch new offensive operations to capture Kyiv, possibly using Belarusian territory. Russia's defence ministry claimed the strikes targeted military and energy facilities in retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure. In particular, Ukrainian drone strikes have hit oil refineries in Russia, including the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region, damaging a crude oil processing unit. Such attacks have contributed to a growing fuel crisis inside Russia, with two-thirds of its regions reporting fuel supply problems and Crimea declaring a state of emergency banning fuel sales. Putin acknowledged the strikes created “a certain deficit” of fuel but insisted it was not critical.
Why it matters for UK readers: The UK is a key partner of Ukraine, providing military aid, including air defence systems. Ukraine's foreign minister Andriy Sybiha called on partners to send more air defence systems, stating the country needs “not only words of condemnation but concrete action.” The attacks underscore the ongoing threat to civilian populations and the importance of continued support. For UK readers, the conflict also affects global energy markets and geopolitical stability, as disruptions to Russian oil refining can impact fuel prices worldwide. Additionally, many British citizens have family or connections in Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis remains a concern.
Key questions answered:
Q: Why is Russia targeting Kyiv with missiles and drones? Russia has claimed its strikes target military and energy facilities, but the attacks have repeatedly hit residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Ukraine's officials say this is deliberate, aimed at killing civilians and terrorising the population. Russia has also said the attacks are retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil, including on oil refineries.
Q: How does Ukraine defend against these attacks? Ukraine uses a mix of Soviet-era and Western-supplied air defence systems, including Patriot batteries provided by the US and Germany. In this attack, air defences intercepted the majority of missiles and drones, but some still got through due to the sheer scale of the assault. Ukraine has repeatedly called for more systems to protect its cities.
Q: What is the impact on ordinary Ukrainians? Civilians endure sleepless nights in shelters, with many fleeing to metro stations carrying children, pets, and belongings. The attacks cause deaths, injuries, and destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals. The psychological toll is immense, as residents live under constant threat of air raids.
What happens next: Ukraine's government continues to press its allies for more air defence systems and sanctions on Russia. The damage to Russia's fuel infrastructure from Ukrainian drone strikes may escalate the energy crisis inside Russia, potentially affecting its ability to sustain the war. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides trading strikes. Further large-scale attacks on Kyiv remain likely as Russia attempts to pressure Ukraine into negotiations.